The AEF artists attempted to capture as full a picture of the war as possible. That of course included the human cost of the conflict, for both military personnel and civilians. During World War I, the battlefield cut through villages and homes and displaced local people to an unprecedented extent.
The artists covered the war’s occupation and destruction of towns and villages, and the refugees that created. The taking of prisoners and the wounds of war were other frequent subjects. Although the full reality of the suffering and human loss did not appear in their art, they did attempt to leave a record of the care given the wounded and the memory of the lost.
Going into Position through a Ruined Town by Harvey Thomas Dunn, Watercolor, charcoal, and pastel on paper, 1918
Going into Position through a Ruined Town
Harvey Thomas Dunn
Watercolor, charcoal, and pastel on paper, 1918
Relief Entering Nesle, Detachment 4th Infantry by William James Aylward, Charcoal, crayon, gouache on paper, 1918
Relief Entering Nesle, Detachment 4th Infantry
William James Aylward
Charcoal, crayon, gouache on paper, 1918
Refugees from Chateau Thierry Section by Harry Everett Townsend, Charcoal on paper, 1918
Refugees from Chateau Thierry Section
Harry Everett Townsend
Charcoal on paper, 1918
Painting by Harvey Thomas Dunn (oil on canvas, 1918)
On the Wire
Harvey Thomas Dunn
Oil on canvas, 1918
The Prisoner by Harvey Thomas Dunn, Oil on canvas, 1918
The Prisoner
Harvey Thomas Dunn
Oil on canvas, 1918
Prisoners and Wounded by Harvey Thomas Dunn, Watercolor, charcoal, and pastel on paper, October 1918
Prisoners and Wounded
Harvey Thomas Dunn
Watercolor, charcoal, and pastel on paper, October 1918
Helping a Wounded Ally
Harry Everett Townsend
Charcoal on paper, 1918
Helping a Wounded Ally
Harry Everett Townsend
Charcoal on paper, 1918
The Hurry Call, Night of May 20, 1918 by Harry Everett Townsend, Charcoal on paper, May 1918
The Hurry Call, Night of May 20, 1918
Harry Everett Townsend
Charcoal on paper, May 1918
Walking Cases, Wounded Men Resting on Their Way Back from Firing Line by Harvey Thomas Dunn, Watercolor, charcoal, and pastel on paper, 1918
Walking Cases, Wounded Men Resting on Their Way Back from Firing Line
Harvey Thomas Dunn
Watercolor, charcoal, and pastel on paper, 1918
Dressing Station in Ruined Farm by Wallace Morgan, Watercolor and charcoal on paper, July 19, 1918
Dressing Station in Ruined Farm
Wallace Morgan
Watercolor and charcoal on paper, July 19, 1918
Afternoon Concert in the Courtyard at Hospital at Langres by Ernest Clifford Peixotto, Pencil on paper, 1918
Afternoon Concert in the Courtyard at Hospital at Langres
Ernest Clifford Peixotto
Pencil on paper, 1918
His Bunkie by William James Aylward, Charcoal, crayon, and gouache on card, 1918
His Bunkie
William James Aylward
Charcoal, crayon, and gouache on card, 1918
This wheelchair was used during World War I, a symbol of the impact of war on individuals. On display in the temporary exhibition Artist Soldiers. Lent by Association Soissonnais 14-18
Wheelchair
This wheelchair was used during World War I, a symbol of the impact of war on individuals. Millions were involved and affected by the First World War, each with a unique story.
Lent by Association Soissonnais 14-18
The AEF WWI war art collection currently is held by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Division of Armed Forces History, from which the artworks in this exhibition are on loan.